Hi, new person to this section
 

Hey all, thought I'd introduce myself. I'm at the very beginning of the process because I haven't even met with my regular doc yet I have an appointment in 2 weeks. After reading about all the hurdles some have gone through, I called my insurance and she said there aren't any...I wanted to get a jump on any appts I needed besides my doc and surgeons so I hope she's correct...I guess I'll find out in 2 weeks :)

Haley

nice to meet you, haley!! and lucky you - no hurdles in your insurance!!!! there are things your docs will need to know - so you're right - there will be appointments and such. but it sounds like you're ready for the challenge!

glad you found us!

Thank you :) Yup I'm ready for the challenge. It's just like college (which Im currently a senior) takes a lot of work but the end result is totally worth it.) My doc has about 15 years of weight records for me so she knows my history. :)

See if you can find the provider manual for your insurance online. When I called mine, they didn't tell me any of the things I would need (6 months of diet history, 2 years of weight records showing obesity, psych eval, etc.) - I ended up finding all of that out on my own. I also had some appointments that were required by my surgeon's office but NOT by insurance (consult with dietician, pre-op ECG and blood work, etc.).

Hopefully, it WILL be an easy process for you, but whether it is required or not, I do highly recommend the psych eval or some general pre-op counseling :)

Do you know which procedure you want to persue? I HIGHLY recommend doing research on the different procedures BEFORE seeking recommendations from a doctor or surgeon because most docs/surgeons don't know or offer ALL the different procedures, and you want to make sure you are aware of all your options and choose what is the best fit for YOU :)

Thanks Jill I'll try to get to the bottom of the surgeons requirements. I'm interested in the lap band. I know a few people that know people that have it and speak very highly of it.

:wave: Haley

:welcome: and good luck with everything.

Leenie

Thank you Leenie! :spin:

Hi! I'm new to the process too! I originally started researching WLS 5 years ago, and could now kick myself in the behind for not doing it then! :o At this point, I'm leaning towards RNY. I have a physical with my main Dr. this week, and can hopefully have him issue orders for the bloodwork to be done this week. I prescheduled a mammo appt for the following day, have my 1st appt. with my hope-to-be WLSurgeon Friday, and the Nutrionist just called me back to squeeze me in Thursday (since it's a 3.5 hour drive, each way, to Surgeon's office...they are in same practice...)!
I'm pretty sure I meet all of the insurance criteria also. So, I'm guessing that our WLS timelines are going to be similar! Please keep posting here...I love reading everyone's stories! :)

Hi disneyfan!
I have my appt withn my main Dr. next week. I have to mentally prepare myself for defending my choice but she knows I've struggled over half my life so I'm hoping I'm worried for nothing. I am concerned she'll think that I think this is an easy out, which I know it's not. I am going to keep a food journal and stick with my Body Combat and CX30 classes at my gym. The people in my family with health issues all started in their 40's. I'm going to be 30 in March so I don't want the disease fairy to give me an early visit when I'm 35 because no one else in my family is obese.

I'm almost finished the 3 day food log required for the surgeon then I can mail that out. I have to call Planned Parenthood and have them send over my pap results. Meet with my Doc next week and then....wait for someone to contact me I guess. There's quite a few steps the surgeon will make me do but I'm hoping the appts can be scheduled relatively quickly... I've been trying to find someone with similar time lines. Seems like most people I see on message boards already have their surgery date etc...

I dread talking to my main Dr. about it, because I have in the past & he didn't seem to like the idea then. People just can't understand unless they've been in your shoes & I'm so afraid I'm not going to be able to communicate my "whys" to him well! I see him today, so wish me luck! :^:

My dh called me yesterday & a coworker of his had the surgery elsewhere & is highly recommending them. So, now I'm really torn regarding which practice/Surgeon I should use! Most people are going to swear by their surgeons, and I understand that. I had chosen to go to Dr. Roc Bauman in Concord, NC based off of online reviews (from now AND 5 yrs ago!). I haven't heard any personal recommendations re: him, but he seems to have a ton of experience & great online reviews. However, the coworker's surgeon Dr. Fernandez in Winston Salem, NC (Wake Forest Baptist), doesn't have as much experience, but has great online reviews too. It would be "easier" for me to use the Surgeon in WS, as it saves me 45 minutes drive (3 hrs vs. 3.45 for Concord...) each way. And we travel there frequently, so we know the area well. And, Dr. Fernandez doesn't require a week stay after the surgery. However, it's most important for me to find an experienced surgeon. Ugh...what to do??!! So torn! How did you decide on your surgeon/practice?

I think it's great you are trying to take control before you waste most of your life! (not to say that in a bad way! ;)) I am in my 40's & am seriously ticked that I didn't follow through with this 5 years ago when I was researching it then! :mad:

So glad to have found a "buddy"! :)

a couple of suggestions: make sure you're going to a CENTER OF EXCELLENCE - not that it's a guarantee of outcomes, but rather that they've done a certain number of surgeries and are have appropriate equipment and supporting folks like counseling and dieticians.

the most important thing is that you can talk with your doc, and that he's available to you! keep us posted - sounds like you're all going to be having a great adventure!

Disneyfan,

Good luck with your Doc!! I agree about not understanding. My doc is very slim and doesn't seem to have a whole lot of experience dealing with this issue. That stinks that you're unsure of which surgeon to choose. Personally I'd probably go with the one that was recommended by someone I know. Only because how do we know who is really writing those reviews. This way you know for sure that he does good work because you know one of his patients. How about meeting with both of them and seeing who you feel more comfortable with? My choice was easy because there seems to be only 1 in Vermont. On another form every person from Vermont had this surgeon. They all seem to like him too, thankfully! Hope today works out for you!

jiffypop- thanks for the suggestions and support :)

I'd second Jilly's suggestion about the Center of Excellence. I felt more comfortable going to a practice that had met a certain standard of care. I'd also select a surgeon with the most experience in the procedure you are considering. A lot of people recommend doctors/surgeons based on their bedside manner, and while that is important, I'd rather have a surgeon who knew what they were doing/with lots of experience over the "nice, friendly guy."

A note on COEs - lots of facilities qualify to be COEs, but it is a costly and lengthy process to get that official certification; it's lots of administrative red tape, not just "hey, you meet these standards, so now you're deemed a COE."

Whether or not my selected facility was a COE was not a factor at all in my decision. I chose my surgeon based on his personal statistics and successes with the procedure I wanted, and I would have independently researched the hospital out of which he operated if need be (though mine ended up being a very big name hospital, so I didn't have to dig much).

My insurance wouldn't pay unless it was at a "Center of Excellence"

My insurance won't pay either, unless it's a COA. Luckily, both of the ones I am considering are COA. I'm going to the Seminar at Wake Forest Baptist tonight (3.5 hour drive) & am super excited! Sad that I decided to cancel my Nutrionist & Surgeon's appt's for the "other" Dr. this week. I'm going to attend the seminar tonight & see how I like this Dr. & their program first.

My visit to the regular Dr. yesterday went good...except he said they won't let me do surgery until I get my BP down. It's my own fault...I mentioned to him that my diet Dr. wrote me a BP scrip last year, but I never got it filled. So, then he started checking his files & said I do have hypertension. Great...:(

I go to have blood tests this morning, so I'm going to have them recheck my BP and see how it is. I was SOOO nervous yesterday, since it was my main Dr. that talked me out of having WLS FIVE years ago! On a good note, he is all for it now! Yay! :D

While I'm thinking about it...does anyone have any ideas on how to get BP down (in addition to the med's I will be taking...)? I want to get this straightened out ASAP! :) It's just another kink in this long process...

That's great! I've tried to find a COE in vermont and I didn't find anything. So guess I don't really have a choice but people seem to really like this guy so it's ok. Let me know how the seminar goes. :)

As long as people like him (& his work! :)), then that's a huge bonus! It's odd that you don't have many choices there! Do you visit the website OH?

disney - take your medication!!!! and there are other lifestyle things you can do to help it along, but if your BP is high enough that you're supposed to be taking meds, please do it.

and reduce your salt intake [and it's NOT about the salt shaker - think about whatever processed foods you eat - soups, crackers, chips, frozen meals like lean cuisines, etc].

look at it this way - it'll give you practice for the whole foods lifestyle you'll be eating after your surgery!!!!

Jiffypop...I am DEFINITELY taking my new med's for the BP! ;) I was just curious if there is anything in addition to the med's that can help the process! I really have to start changing my diet now. We eat out every night and I know that is horrible. Time to start cooking, I guess... ugh. :( (and, yes, I do realize I will be cooking when I get surgery... :dizzy:) With my sleep apnea, I just stay too tired to cook (and lazy), so we eat out every meal. I know, I'm pitiful. But, ready to make changes! :carrot:

oh honey - you're not pitiful!! you have some serious challenges and sometimes it's hard to find a path that works for you.

planning is the only thing that works for me - and it takes into account my schedule and what i know i can and can't do. Do i have enough energy to stand at the stove for 30 minutes? well, dinner might be more elaborate. but if i have enough energy to last only about 5 minutes, then dinner will be whatever can go into the oven - veggies included.

and i plan what to do with the extra - whether i make one or two extra hard boiled eggs for breakfast or lunch, or an extra piece of chicken topping a green salad - it's all planned.

and believe me, i'm not perfect!!!! at all!!!! but it's important to at least make a few steps and to know that i'm moving in the right direction.

Planning is absolutely essential. I need to go ahead and get in the "WLS mindset", because at this stage I still feel like it's so far away. I am already going through the "last meal" stages for some of my favorite foods. I really do not want to be one of those people that attempt to test their pouch & eat things that aren't healthy, or don't make them sick. I know with me, that a little bit will always increase to alot! So, I've got to stay on track! Now, if I can just get myself on track pre-WLS! :dizzy:

disney darlin - WLS is a few months away, and you've said that no one will do surgery on you UNTIL your BP is down. soooo - how about you get into the 'down with BP' mindset for now? it's really not that much different than the 'wls mindset.' by focusing on your BP, you'll be doing IMMEDIATE good for yourself, and making progress down the WLS path at the same time.

and you'll be making the new habits you need for the surgery. GO FOR IT!!!! one step at a time.

jiffy...it definitely is one step at a time! Just to update, my GP said the surgeons wouldn't operate until the BP was down, but the Surgeon said that was NOT the case. I just need to be on the med's and working on it! Baby steps! :)

btw.. I realize you are years out from your WLS, and I just wanted to let you know how wonderful it is that you still continue to come here & help others. It is SO appreciated! :hug: I spend at least 6 hours a day researching WLS, reading forums/blogs & it is a joy to see others that "give back" just by being here... Thank You! :bravo:

Hey all! I've been stuck in my books this past week studying for a couple exams I have this week. I had a job interview Monday and have 3 interviews in the coming 7 days eek! Saw my PCP yesterday and she gave me the referral. The surgeon's office should be getting my application in the mail today...so now I play the waiting game to do the next step.

Disneyfan-Good to hear you're going to start taking your meds. Too many heart conditions run in my family, if I had to take those I would be afraid not to lol. Keep us updated. I don't know if you do the facebook thing but if you do if you are interested maybe we could be friends on there? Since we're going through the same thing almost at the same time.

jiffypop- I agree with disneyfan, it's very much appreciated that you take the time to give us advice and also jillybean you guys are wonderful support to everyone here. Thanks!

Exams AND 3 interviews this week? :fr: Good luck with ALL of it!!! You seem pretty calm about it, so I'm sure you'll do fine! That is GREAT you got the referral from the PCP! Have you had any of the blood tests yet?

I would love to be friends on FB. Send me a pm here & we'll exchange info...

I wish there were more people that posted here! I just want to soak in all the info. that I can get...

Have a great day all! :)

ladies - being on this forum is a labor of love for me. i had a really rocky time getting to the surgery, and i don't want to see anyone else suffer the way i did.

and one of the things that happens is that once people get through the surgery, they get involved with their lives, and don't always come back. HOWEVER, many of them also gain a lot of weight and then are too ashamed to come back. and that's really sad. we're not failures if we gain weight. just like with people who regain after WW or some other program, we have to figure it out again. and get back on the horse!

and good luck, Haley, with the interviews! i know you'll do GREAT!!!

Disneyfan: Oh I'm not calm at all lol I'm good at hiding my stress. I'll send you a pm now.

Jiffypop: Thanks :)

or not lol i don't have the option to pm you, do you need a certain amount of posts first maybe?

Dang...I couldn't find a pm option either. Does anyone know if I need a certain number of posts first?? :?:

yep!!! 20 posts, and 20 days. you're almost there!

Thanks jiffy! Too bad I couldn't remember my username from when I joined over FIVE years ago! :D

Disney fan- Just wondering how long did it take your surgeons office to contact you about the seminar?

They actually have seminars several times a month & I saw the schedule from their website. So, then I just called & registered. After attending the seminar, it was 9 working days when they called me back for an appointment with the surgeon. Now it is time for more waiting...the surgeon's appt. is FIVE weeks away! :( One good thing is that they have scheduled me for the Nutritionist the same day, since I have a 4 hr. drive each way! :) Baby steps!
How are things going on your end?

heh, I'm a BAD supporter nowadays - this was posted over a WEEK ago, and I'm just seeing it now! I blame this additional human life growing in my tummy for hogging all the brain energy :p

Seriously, though, when I was going through the process of first tiptoeing into "considering WLS" territory to heavy duty researching to jumping through the insurance hoops to surgery and recovery, I was SO thankful to have the guidance, support, and tips from others who had been there, done that. Those WLS vets helped me more than I can ever express, so, even though I disappear at times for a few days or weeks, I always try to make a point to check back in and hopefully offer that same help that so many were able to offer to me. Not to mention that I'd been on 3FC for AGES before my surgery :) And I was glad to come back and find this group since I no longer "belonged" to the 3FC groups I'd frequented before (like the 300+ group or the 100+ to lose folks...).

I've also been VERY fortunate to have met some local WLS folks. We have a god group of probably 20 people in my local area who try to get together once a month or so, most of whom have had the DS (my surgery type). It's not just a support group - they're truly people I consider friends. We don't gather for "meetings," but rather meet at restaurants for lunch or dinner or have a potluck at someone's house. Having what we do in common, conversations over our meals usually include such topics as gas, bodily functions, saggy skin, etc. I'd hate to be sitting at a nearby table and overhear some of our conversations while trying to eat ;)

That is awesome you have such a great support group! You're lucky!! I'm really afraid that I won't be able to find anything like that, since I'm not using the "local" hospital for my WLS...

jillybean...I really appreciate you coming back too! I wish more people would be givers as you are, and not just takers (of knowledge... ;))!

disneyfan- my application is still under review with the surgeons office once that's done they'll call me to set up the seminar appointment. you're almost to 20 posts!